By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Great Bend City Council member Alan Moeder said Monday night that he
will be voting against the approval of abatements until the City of Great Bend
takes care of their own overgrown vegetation.
Moeder referenced weeds growing in front of the Great Bend Events Center, a
shed near Brit Spaugh Park and the ditches along north Main Street.
Moeder approached the city last year, and stated it was not fair to citizens receiving
notices that their property is in violation, when the city does not take care of
their own properties.
"We're telling our citizens if you don't clean it up we're going to nail you, but we don't clean up our stuff," said Moeder. "I shouldn't have to come do this. This should be on a schedule with the department heads to take care of our property."
The overgrown vegetation ordinance states any grass that is nine inches or
higher is noncompliant. Last June, Moeder referred to the city’s property at
the southwest corner of the 24th and McKinley intersection that was
in violation.
"I feel like if I have to come do this again next year at this time, we need to find new department heads," said Moeder. "This all should be on a schedule."
City Administrator Kendal Francis acknowledged Moeder’s concerns and told the
city council that an update on the concerns will be given at the next meeting.